Principal Software Engineer - (Backend) Prisma Browser

Palo Alto Networks; Santa Clara (CA); On-site; USD 147,000 - 238,000; Full time

Job summary

Palo Alto Networks is seeking a Senior/Principal Backend Engineer for the Santa Clara Headquarters to join the Talon team, focusing on the Enterprise Browser backend. You will own end-to-end feature development and deliver robust security solutions that protect businesses by isolating web sessions and enforcing policies.

The role requires 5+ years in Go/C#/Java/C++, cloud-native experience, and a passion for high-performance, multi-threaded development.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in backend languages (Go/C#/Java/C++).
• Extensive backend development experience with Go, C#, Java, or C++.
• Proven experience with AWS, GCP, or Azure.
• Strong background in microservices and cloud-native architectures.
• Experience with multi-threaded/multi-process development and performance focus.
• Excellent communication skills and team collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and deploy significant features for the Enterprise Browser backend services.
• Take full ownership of specific feature segments from conception to release.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of features and infrastructure.
• Drive innovation and participate in brainstorming to enhance product capabilities.
• Mentor other engineers and share knowledge to strengthen the team.
• Continuously seek opportunities for process and product improvement.

Skills

Go

C#

Java

C++

Cloud environments

Microservices

Performance

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering/CS

Master's degree in Engineering/CS

PhD in Engineering/CS

Job description

Our Mission

At Palo Alto Networks®, we’re united by a shared mission—to protect our digital way of life. We thrive at the intersection of innovation and impact, solving real-world problems with cutting-edge technology and bold thinking. Here, everyone has a voice, and every idea counts. If you’re ready to do the most meaningful work of your career alongside people who are just as passionate as you are, you’re in the right place.

Who We Are

In order to be the cybersecurity partner of choice, we must trailblaze the path and shape the future of our industry. This is something our employees work at each day and is defined by our values: Disruption, Collaboration, Execution, Integrity, and Inclusion. We weave AI into the fabric of everything we do and use it to augment the impact every individual can have. If you are passionate about solving real-world problems and ideating beside the best and the brightest, we invite you to join us! We believe collaboration thrives in person. That’s why most of our teams work from the office full time, with flexibility when it’s needed. This model supports real-time problem-solving, stronger relationships, and the kind of precision that drives great outcomes.

The Team

Engineering - Our Engineering team is at the core of our products – and our mission. We are constantly pushing the boundaries of technology to make our products simpler, faster, and more intelligent so our customers have the best protection. We’re a culture of builders and innovators who are not afraid to take risks and learn from our mistakes. We’re looking for engineers who are passionate about solving complex problems and making a real impact in the world.

Job Summary

We are seeking a Senior or Principal Backend Engineer for our Santa Clara Headquarters center to join the Talon team, which is responsible for our Enterprise Browser. In this role, you will be instrumental in developing a key security solution that protects businesses by isolating web sessions, preventing data leaks, and managing security policies. You will take a leading position within the team, owning and leading feature development from end-to-end and delivering substantial improvements across the entire product to enhance our multi-layered security approach.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, implement, test, and deploy significant features for the Enterprise Browser backend services, contributing to all phases of the development lifecycle.
• Take full ownership of specific feature segments, demonstrating accountability for quality and timely delivery from conception to release.
• Proactively collaborate and exchange information with cross-functional teams to ensure seamless integration of product features and infrastructure.
• Drive innovation by contributing ideas and participating in brainstorming sessions to challenge our approach and enhance product capabilities.
• Simplify complex technical problems and focus on the details to deliver high-quality, robust, and performant solutions.
• Actively share knowledge and mentor other engineers, contributing to a positive and collaborative team dynamic that empowers others.
• Continuously seek opportunities for improvement within team processes and the product itself by applying learnings and challenging the status quo curiously and positively

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience developing in Go/C#/Java/C++ or similar languages
• Extensive backend development experience using languages such as Go, C#, Java, or C++.
• Proven experience with major cloud environments like AWS, GCP, or Azure.
• Strong background in modern service architecture, including microservices and cloud-native solutions.
• Demonstrated experience with multi-threaded and multi-process development with a strong focus on performance.
• Strong communication skills
• Education Requirement: All degrees must be in Engineering, Computer Science, or a closely related field.
• Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 8 years of related experience; OR
• Master’s degree with a minimum of 6 years of related experience; OR
• PhD with a minimum of 3 years of related experience; OR

Preferred Qualifications

• Direct experience developing with Golang.
• Professional experience in the cybersecurity industry.
• A positive ‘can-do’ mindset, with the ability to work effectively both independently and within a team.

Compensation Disclosure

The compensation offered for this position will depend on qualifications, experience, and work location. For candidates who receive an offer at the posted level, the starting base salary (for non-sales roles) or base salary + commission target (for sales/com-missioned roles) is expected to be the annual range listed below. The offered compensation may also include restricted stock units and a bonus. A description of our employee benefits may be found here.
$147,000.00 - $237,500.00/yr

Our Commitment

We’re trailblazers that dream big, take risks, and challenge cybersecurity’s status quo. It’s simple: we can’t accomplish our mission without diverse teams innovating, together.

Accommodations

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for all qualified individuals with a disability. If you require assistance or accommodation due to a disability or special need, please contact us at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Statement

Palo Alto Networks is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity in our workplace, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, ancestry, color, family or medical care leave, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, national origin, physical or mental disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, or other legally protected characteristics.
All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Immigration Sponsorship

Is role eligible for Immigration Sponsorship?: Yes